Report: Openning of the Post - Industrial Revolution exhibition in Gdansk

Post – Industrial Revolution  project is nearing completion. The artists left Gdansk on Sunday. Kate and I are back in Birmingham too. It was hard to leave the shipyard, an area where nature meets culture,  where our artists were producing new art works for a month. Thirty-degree heat did not help to install the exhibition, but strongly encouraged our evening trips to the beach and sipping cocktails in one of the old town's cafes . We found time for both though. After a few days of installing we were ready to discuss  artists' works  during Thursday's talk, and to finally show their final products  during Friday's opening. Aliceson Carter and Matthew de Kersaint Giraudeau shown their works at Modelarnia, Louie + Jesse at the Kiosk. Both spaces are part of Wyspa Progress Foundation. The opening  gathered a nice bunch of people, which later transferred to Buffet, Wyspa's club. Currently artists and curators are gone but the exhibition is open until Sunday the 12 of June, from Thursday till Sunday (11:00 - 18:00), at two locations - Modelarnia and Kiosk. 

Alicson Carter, performance with Zbigniew Stefanski, Modelarnia,  2011

Alicson Carter, performance with Zbigniew Stefanski, Modelarnia,  2011

Alicson Carter, performance with Zbigniew Stefanski, Modelarnia,   2011

For the Post - Industrial Revolution Aliceson has developed a performative video piece paying homage to the Gdansk Shipyard.  By acquiring a boat, recording her journey, while playing shipyard songs, Aliceson has created a floating monument to the shipyard. With this piece Aliceson attempts to celebrate current and past production within the Gdansk shipyard as well as its origins as the birth place of the Solidarity movement. ‘My boat making and broadcasting of solidarity songs would be a homage, as an outsider, to the people & history of the shipyard’ – says Aliceson. The boat, now situated in Modelarnia accompanies a projection of the filmed voyage. During the opening night Aliceson in collaboration with Zbigniew Stefanski (Shipyard’s bard) recited shipyard songs with a twist.  Aliceson sang a new song she has written about the shipyard and regeneration plans for the Young city development plan to the tune of Shipbuilding by Elvis Costello/Robert Wyatt. 

 Matthew de Kersaint Giraudeau, installation, Modelarnia, 2011

Matthew de Kersaint Giraudeau, installation, Modelarnia,  2011

Matthew had developed an installation involving moving image, sound recordings and found materials from in and around the shipyard collected during his wanderings. Matthew describes Post-industrial landscapes as haunting - full of economic, political and ideological histories.  During his time in the shipyard he attempts to uncover these histories and connect them with a wider network of contemporary ideas. The installation takes the form of two video works and three audio pieces.  The audio works within this exhibition consist of headphones set within pile of debris (sand/dirt/rubble and other found objects).  Each audio piece is an interview with individuals Matt has met during his time in Gdansk, drawing on issues which have caught his interest such as the young city development, as well as stories from Wyspa Sobieszewska, the island on which Matthew was staying during the residency period.

Louie + Jesse, If we stop now, they will crush us like bed bugs, audiovisual installation, Kiosk,  2011

Louie + Jesse, If we stop now, they will crush us like bed bugs, audiovisual installation, Kiosk,  2011

Louie + Jesse have created a site-specific installation exploring the shipyard strike of 1970 and 1980. They are interested in the so called selective cleansing of history, how some areas are left as monuments and others (the messy elements) are demolished. They are interested in exploring the role of Alina Pienkowska in Shipyard’s strikes, an activist and nurse who became stranded in the clinic during the strike activity.  They researched a particular moment within the strike’s history, just before communication lines were cut off. A moment where Alina made a quick but vital phone call to Jacek Kuroń stating details of the strike including its demands. As a result information about the strike was relayed worldwide. It is an understated but significant moment within the shipyards history. Having acquired a kiosk space just outside Wyspa Institute of Art as a location in which to realize their artwork, Louie and Jesse have developed a site-specific installation. The installation appears to be a cross between a hospital room and a hotel room.  Their work draws on archival material about Alina but is also influenced by the recent young city developments and regeneration taking place within the shipyard grounds. 

Aliceson Carter

Aliceson Carter, Homage to the 1968 Paris protests and the legacy of Marcel Duchamp, 2008

We would like to introduce the practice of each artist taking part in the Post-Industrial Revolution residency . We begin with Aliceson Carter. Her Art practice revolves around observation, and as such reflects the world around us. She graduated from Goldsmiths College in 2009.  During her time there she made a piece of work where she paid homage to the 1968 Paris protests and the legacy of Marcel Duchamp (who died in Paris in 1968). She carried a urinal from his Paris residence to Birkbeck University in London, documenting the journey in a 5hr video piece. This was shown at 1968: Impact & Implications conference in July 2008.  Since graduating she has taken part in a research lead project in Berlin, documenting the Berlin border of today with Kodachrome photographic film from the 1980s, when the Berlin Wall was in force.  A 2010 residency in Sweden documented the Tranäs Cruising event, an annual parade of hundreds of restored vintage American cars around the town.  She has also recently travelled to Kansas to record the last days of Kodachrome processing for my Kodachrome Pre Paid Processing Packet Project.  In all these projects she has been interested in exploring the community, history & locale. This has lead to making work that focuses on the sense of time & place and our interactions within them. 

Week one of residency

So it’s been a busy time for Post Industrial Revolution.  Roma and I embarked on the first of two-scheduled trips to Poland last week, initiating the second part of the project. We set off a little under the weather but powered through.  After a day of re -familiarising myself with Wyspa, Modelarnia and the shipyard,  as well as discussing practicalities with Marta and Roma we were good to go.

Two of the four British artists, Aliceson and Matt arrived bright and early Friday morning.  We then embarked on a busy day, dropping off artists baggage at the accommodation, beach frolics, and a spot of lunch followed by a trip to Wyspa.

                                                        Monument at Westerplatte

The following day we got all touristy and jumped aboard a ferry to Westerplatte, historically significant as the location were Germany invaded Poland on 1st September 1939, initiating the Second World War.  We visited a monument dedicated to the 182 Polish Solders who lost their lives defending the city, keeping the Nazi’s at bay for a staggering 7 days.   The ferry trip offered fantastic views of the shipyard from the water showing just how vast the Gdansk shipyard really is.  The afternoon was spent exploring the shipyard on foot, the highlight being Aliceson’s discovery of a huge polystyrene cube!  We are hoping to borrow or possibility rent this object for the exhibition.  After talking to Marta I discovered that scrap or discarded object in the shipyard can be borrowed or rented rather then taken.  I rather like this idea of loaning found materials.  Different parts of the shipyard are owned by different companies or individuals, so it’s just a case of finding out who owns the polystyrene.  The day was rounded of with dinner, an opportunity for the artists to meet different members of the Wyspa team and indulge in some tasty polish delicacies.

                                           Matt and Aliceson surveying the cube

                                                        Exploring the shipyard

Sunday involved an epic journey to a town called Puck to witness 400km, a project in which camper vans filled with artists and art visit small towns in the surrounding area of Gdansk.  We went part of the way by train and the remainder packed into one of the artist's camper vans.  Unfortunately upon arriving at our destination we were engulfed by a plague of mosquitoes! It was almost biblical.  The event was cancelled but we took it as an opportunity to explore the town.  We then stopped off for a beer in Gdynia, the second largest city making up the try cites of Gdansk, Gdynia and Sopot.

                                          Louie and Jesse explore the shipyard


Monday marked the arrival of the artist duo Louie and Jesse. Their first day in Gdansk followed a similar formula to that of Matt and Aliceson's, the difference being we had the opportunity to explore the residency studio space within Wyspa and store room facilities.   This is where I came across our old friend Lech Walesa, this model of him was installed in Wyspa's gallery space during my last trip to the shipyard a year previously.

                                                        
                                           

After a trip to Modelarnia and more exploring we bid farewell  to our artists.  We will be returning to Gdansk in two weeks time to see how they're getting on.

British artists arrived to Gdańsk!

Gdansk Shipyard famously the “Cradle of Solidarity’’ and a key industrial site within Polish History shall play host to four emerging British artists intending to explore its heritage.

The Artists’ visit marks the final stage of Post Industrial Revolution, an artistic residency exchange developed between the UK and Poland focusing on the former industrial areas of Birmingham and Gdansk, in particular the districts of Digbeth and the Gdansk Shipyard.  

The artists from the UK has just begun the one month residency from the 5^th of May until the 5^th of June 2011, using it as a period for research and for the production of new art works directly responding to the Gdansk Shipyard, its historical and social context.  These newly create art works will be displayed in an exhibition at Modelarnia, a former industrial space, originally utilized for the building of model ships and part of the Wyspa Progress Foundation.  The exhibition will take place from Friday 3rd until Sunday 12th June.

British artists taking part in the residency are louie+jesse (Jessica Mautner, Louie O’Grady), Matthew de Kersaint Giraudeau and Aliceson Carter.

 

The comparisons between Digbeth and the Gdansk Shipyard as post industrial sites are of significance, each city has at some stage been deeply affected by the demise of industry, its movement abroad, and more recently the development of cultural and leisure industries in these former industrial areas.  Co-curator  of Post – Industrial Revolution Kate Pennington – Wilson outlined ‘The focus of this residency exchange is for artists to develop work which responds to these environments, reflecting this shift in usage as well as the change in social, political  and industrial history of such spaces’.

SHIPYARD IN THE EYE OF THE GUARDIAN

Marcel Theroux and Shehani Fernando, from The Guardian, carried out a brief report about the art scene in Gdansk, Wyspa and the resistance and anti-regime movements in the late ’80s. The feature falls into the New Europe, conducted by The Guardian mini-series of stories about the new European Union countries. Watch it here. 

BUY YOURSELF WYSPA!

Wyspa is raising funds to buy the building they are renting in order to continue and further develop their activities. They will not be able to raise the required quota by yhemselves in such a short time but the task is achievable given our commitment together. Everyone can influence the further existence of Wyspa in the former Shipyard area.

Since 2004 Wyspa have been in the grounds of the former Gdańsk Shipyard, and since 2007 they have been renting the building from the current owner, the BPTO. The moment is propitious for them to buy the building at a preferential price. However they can only do this within a very short time. Wyspa enjoys a good reputation thanks to the artistic activities, which create a dialogue between the fields of art and political reflection.

In 2010, Wyspa initiated the two-year-long International Art Festival – Alternativa, which is opening new perspectives on the cultural map of Gdańsk, and we are also supporting Gdańsk’s candidacy for the European Capital of Culture 2016.

In the course of our seven-year-long activity on the grounds of the former Shipyard area, they have put a great deal of energy into improving the condition of the building. That’s why they are so connected with this area. That’s why they would like to stay there.

The environment of the former Shipyard area, so full of historical and social emotions, has inspired artists for years. Wyspa, apart from its exhibitions, discussions and workshops, is conducting an international residency programme, a multi-media archive and a bookshop. Their research activities into issues of contemporary artistic culture are also geared towards cooperation with local inhabitants, who, like Wyspa, constitute part of the community in the district of Młode Miasto [the Young City]. The new district should have its own places of culture. Wyspa has been recognised and praised, not only in Poland but also in the international arena, which has helped to build the positive image of Gdańsk as a vibrant centre of contemporary art.That’s why they need your help!

The Wyspa Institute of Art public collection is being conducted with the agreement of the Ministry for Internal Affairs and Administration and with the understanding of the owner of the building, the BPTO.

Special bank account number for the public collection:

PL 26 1020 1811 0000 0402 0156 1414

Bank PKO BP SA III O/Gdańsk

SWIFT CODE: BPKOPLPW

Bank transfer details:

Fundacja Wyspa Progress

ul. Doki 1 budynek 145B

80-958 Gdańsk

Donate by Pay Pal 

They will keep you up to date on the subject of how the collection is going on their website. People and organisations that wish to be named among the acknowledgements on Wyspa's website are asked to confirm this fact by sending an email to ola.grzonkowska@wyspa.art.pl stating your full name or the name of the company together with attached proof of payment.

Only Solidarity and Patience will Secure our Victory

We are approaching the second part of our project - a residency in Gdansk! This is so exiting!

In the meantime a part of Gdansk visited Digbeth!

A billboard 'Only Solidarity and Patience will Secure our Victory' depicting strikes from the Gdansk Shipyard hang on the wall above the entrance of Eastside Projects. The billboard is a work by an artistic collective 'Slavs and Tatars', and it forms part of a multiplatform project '79.89.09', that re-imagines an Iranian Polish solidarity, constructed in equal parts through archival research and original work. The project looks at three key dates:1979 (the Iranian Revolution), 1989 (the collapse of communism) and 2009 (the financial crisis). Along with the billboard artists prepared a publication as well as an installation of river bads and an Iranian and Polish book archive. 

Exhibition is open until the 16th of April 2011. 

Post-Industrial Revolution is looking for volunteers!

Yes, you can find out how does the realisation of an artistic project look like from the inside. Working with us is a great opportunity  to learn and meet interesting people. As a volunteer, you will be a part of our team working during production of the residency in Birmingham and with planning the Polish leg of the Post-Industrial Revolution project. 

If you’re interested, please email us on postindustrial.revolution@gmail.com

Post – Industrial Revolution: call for submissions for an art residency scheme in Gdansk, Poland. Deadline: 20th March 2011

About the project 

Post Industrial Revolution is an artistic residency exchange between the UK and Poland focusing on the cities of Birmingham and Gdansk, in particular the areas of Digbeth and the Gdansk Shipyard. The comparisons between Digbeth and the Gdansk Shipyard as post industrial sites are of significance, each city has at some stage been deeply affected by the demise of industry, its movement abroad, and more recently the development of cultural and leisure industries in these former industrial areas. What interests us is how visual art can be seen to carry out and reflect this shift in usage, the change in social and industrial history of such spaces and its implications.

Post-Industrial Revolution is developed in collaboration with Wyspa Institute of Art (Poland) and the Lombard Method (UK). The Project is conceived by curators Roma Piotrowska and Kate Pennington – Wilson in partnership with Polish Expats Association.  Post – Industrial Revolution is supported by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and Birmingham City Council.

For more information about the project visit http://www.postindustrialrevolution.blogspot.com/

http://www.postindustrialrevolution.eu/

About the residency

Three artists from each country will be selected to take part in the project and invited to respond to the industrial heritage of these districts. The Digbeth element of the residency is currently underway;   information about chosen artist can be seen on our website and blog.   We are now seeking submissions from British artists to take part in the second strand of this project. The three applicants from the UK will be offered a 1 month residency (May 2011) in Gdansk. This Residency will culminate in a two week exhibition hosted by Wyspa Institute of Art. A series of events including a workshop and artist talk will be developed to accompany the exhibition.

We particularly welcome applications from early career artists with an interest in develop site specific works.  

Post – Industrial Revolution offers:

• Accommodation for 1 month in Gdansk
• Flight costs
• Expenses @ £250 per person for 1 month
• £250 towards Material costs for each artist to develop new art works (please note this amount will need to include the hire costs of any equipment required)
• Use of space within Wyspa Progress Foundation
•  An organized Group critique developed through Wyspa Institute of Art offering artists feedback and critical discourse during the residency
• The opportunity to take part in an exhibition internationally
• The opportunity to develop relationships with artists and creatives affiliated with Wyspa Institute of Art , other art organizations and artists based in Gdansk

The chosen artist will be expected to:

• Develop research focusing on the history and social context of Gdansk including visiting museums, galleries, archives etc.
• Produce site responsive work, reflecting the changing nature of Gdansk Shipyard and its historical context which will be displayed during the final exhibition. Work must be new and can consist of any media (installation, performance, video, photography, painting, sculpture, etc.).
• Take part in an artist talk during the residency period, (offering insight into each artist’s individual practice). This will take the form of an open discussion between artists and curators.
• Engage in artistic and curatorial dialog with the curators, project manager and the Wyspa team in the development of their ideas and activities
• Engage with local communities during their stay and take advantage of opportunities for critical and artistic discourse and exchange of ideas

To apply for this residency you must be:

• at the early stage of your career
• A Bristish citizen or resident in the UK for 3 years or more

To apply please send

1.     Your reasons for applying (no more than one side of A4)

2.     Project proposal with an example budget of up to £250 for developing new work  (no more then one side of A4)

3.     Your CV

4.     Examples of previous work.  A selection of photographs, or other documentation of your work.  A CD of images is also acceptable.  (Please do not send original artwork).

5.     A completed equal opportunities monitoring form (you can find it here).

Please send applications via email to postindustrial.revolution@gmail.com

or via post to Roma Piotrowska, Flat 3, 14 York Rd, B16 9JB, Birmingham, UK.

Deadline for receipt of applications: Sunday, the 20^th of March 2011.  We will notify successful applicants by 5th April 2011. It is anticipated that successful applicants will arrive in Gdansk during the 1st week of May 2011.

For an informal discussion prior to submitting an application contact Roma Piotrowska or Kate Pennington-Wilson via email postindustrial.revolution@gmail.com

Socio-political changes in both cities

David Miller, factory, Digbeth 

Birmingham has developed significantly through the Industrial Revolution, therefore, has a reputation of a working-class city. Trade unions were created in Graet Britain in 1824 and became popular during the Industrial Revolution in many countries. Both, the Gdansk Shipyard, and Digbeth, were not only important industrial centers, but also witnesses of socio – political changes. Archive footage shows Digbeth, as a place where closing of factories, anti-fascist marches, and worker's strikes were taking place, due to recession, unemployment, demise of industry, and  its movement abroad. In Gdansk, Strikes which were held in the shipyard 30 years ago by the 'Solidarity' (the first independent trade union in the Communist bloc), helped to overthrow communism in the Central - Eastern Europe.

 Digbeth related footage you can find here:

http://www.macearchive.org/Media.html?Title=28292

http://www.macearchive.org/Media.html?Title=28329

http://www.macearchive.org/Media.html?Title=2555  

http://www.macearchive.org/Media.html?Title=23030 

 http://www.macearchive.org/Media.html?Title=1048  

 http://www.macearchive.org/Media.html?Title=15675

See our new fantastic website !

We are very pleased to announce the launch of our new website:  http://postindustrialrevolution.eu
 You can find there some amazing photos of the Gdansk Shipyard by Michał Szlaga and of Digbeth by David Miller .  Keep your eyes peeled for Polish version soon! 

Post-Industrial Revolution is baking a cheesecake

We, as the Post-Industrial Revolution team, were recently invited to baking competition by new Birmingham based creative organisation, the Neighbourhood. They have invited all other creative organisations they could think of, to create interesting platform for getting to know each other better. Behind us the most difficult part - we had to bake a cake! We will  bring it along on the aforementioned chilly November Eve, and their panel of judges will pick a winner. Me and Kate met yesterday to conjure amazing Polish cheesecake with English Custard powder in it! We will let you know if we win soon. 

Custard's second face: Budyn

I have to admit something. When I was writing the post about custard, I knew custard only from descriptions. When I finally tasted it yesterday I was astonished that actually I know custard very well, as it is know in Poland as Budyn (pronounced boodinn )!  On this blog you can read about the discovery of Budyn by one Englishman. What is more, while Custard is always vanilla-flavoured, you can find Budyn in a whole range of flavours, such us: strawberry, chocolate, cherry, raspberry and many others.